Florence, the spectacular capital of the region of Tuscany, is located on Italy’s northwest coast. It is a stunning medieval city divided into two parts by the River Arno that..

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Florence, the spectacular capital of the region of Tuscany, is located on Italy’s northwest coast. It is a stunning medieval city divided into two parts by the River Arno that flows from the Apennines through Florence and Pisa and on to the Ligurian Sea. Florence is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its overflow of palaces, churches and museums filled with masterful paintings and sculptures. Apart from the overwhelming art and cultural treasures, the city offers one of the Italy’s most atmospheric and pleasant places to visit. The streets of Florence radiate the charm of Italian culture. It has a wonderful countryside, featuring picturesque villages and vineyards, making for a perfect day excursion. In close distance, you can visit Siena, once Florence’s rival in artistic and political dominance, and Pisa, world famous for it’s leaning tower. Plus, from Florence you can easily reach the Italian coast with its beautiful beaches, while Rome and Milan, the “capital of fashion”, are in short distance.

Skip the line to see Michelangelo’s ‘David’ at the Accademia Gallery before enjoying a 3-hour walking tour of Florence. Led by an expert guide, experience world-famous artwork and the Renaissance city’s top attractions, including the Florence Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. As you go, gain insight about Florentine art and architecture from your guide, with audio headsets provided so that you hear everything clearly. Numbers are limited to 25 on this tour to ensure a small-group experience. Begin your walking tour with skip-the-line entrance inside the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David. Marvel at the lifelike contours of the 17-foot sculpture and see why this creation has become of the most iconic in the world. Afterward, continue on a 3-hour walking tour of the city. Your guide will point out architecture from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, as well as provide historical commentary and local lore about the sites that you pass. See the Florence Duomo, peering up at Brunelleschi’s Dome, the most famous structure in the Florentine skyline. Enter inside the impressive Cathedral to explore (entry may be restricted on Sundays and religious holidays) before admiring Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery. Delve deeper into Florence’s rich history with a visit to the medieval Palazzo Vecchio and the Church of Orsanmichele to witness statues by famed artists such as Donatello, Ghiberti and Verrocchio. You’ll also pass the grand exterior of the Uffizi Gallery, filled with Renaissance masterpieces from Botticelli, da Vinci and other greats. Visit the former Ancient Forum, now Piazza della Repubblica. Don’t forget to rub the nose of the legendary boar statute, il Porcellino, promising your return to Florence! Your tour will conclude in Lungarno, facing the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge.

Day 3

Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside

Discover the many delights of Tuscany’s wine country on this small-group tasting tour from Florence. Travel along beautiful hillside roads through vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees, stopping in the charming village of Greve for some leisure time. Visit a top-rated winery in the famed Chianti Classico region to tour the cellars and learn how wine is produced using traditional methods. Taste different estate varietals, along with olive oil and Tuscan specialties like fresh cheeses and bruschetta. Group size is limited to eight for a more personalized experience. Enjoy an unforgettable experience in the Chianti Classico wine country. Depart from Santa Maria Novella Train Station in Florence, and during the 45 minutes trip your driver/guide will give you an introduction about the Tuscan territory and wine culture. Leaving the highway you’ll immerse yourself in the picturesque Tuscan landscape, with views of one of the most famous areas of the Chianti wine region. At the first estate, a wine expert will be waiting for you and the experience will start with an overview of the farm, followed by detailed explanations about the production process. Along the way, you’ll taste three different wines and fresh olive oil. Since each farm has its own unique technique in producing wine, the second stop will give you the chance to compare them. After the guided visit of the old wine cellars, conclude your experience with tastings of different wines and olive oil, paired with local Tuscan specialties such as cheese, salami, cold cuts, and bruschetta.

Day 4

Depending on departure time, transfer to Florence airport or rail station.

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